9 incredible things that will happen once you start setting realistic goals for yourself

There’s a famous quote by Donald Trump that goes, “I like thinking big. If you’re going to be thinking anything, you might as well think big.”

It’s an inspiring sentiment, and while thinking big has its place, it often leaves out an important truth: without realistic, achievable steps, even the grandest vision can lead to frustration.

The reality is, setting goals that are too ambitious can backfire, leaving you feeling overwhelmed or disheartened.

But when you start setting realistic goals for yourself, something incredible happens. You begin to experience a sense of progress, accomplishment, and control that fuels further success.

In this article, we’ll explore 9 remarkable things that unfold when you embrace realistic goal-setting. From increased motivation to stronger focus, you’ll discover how aligning your aspirations with practical steps can lead to a more fulfilling and rewarding journey.

1) Defining your path

Once you start setting realistic goals, the first incredible thing you’ll notice is how suddenly your path becomes clear.

With dreams and aspirations, it’s easy to get lost in the ambiguity. You have a general direction, but no concrete steps. It’s like walking through a forest without a map.

When you set realistic goals, it’s like having a GPS in this forest. You know your destination, and now you can plot the exact steps to get there.

Consider this – you want to write a book. That’s a great aspiration! But without breaking it down into realistic goals, it can seem like an insurmountable task.

Now, set a goal to write 500 words every day. Suddenly, writing a book doesn’t seem so daunting. You have a path, and all you need to do is follow it one step at a time.

2) Building self-confidence

Setting realistic goals does wonders for your self-confidence, and I speak from personal experience.

A few years ago, I decided to run a marathon. Now, I wasn’t a runner – far from it. The mere thought of running a few miles made me cringe. But I was determined to achieve this dream of mine.

I made the decision to set a realistic goal. Instead of immediately trying to run the full 26.2 miles, I started with just one mile a day. And even that was challenging! But each day, as I laced up my shoes and hit the pavement, I felt my confidence building.

With every passing week, I added more distance to my runs. And with every added mile, my belief in myself grew stronger. What once seemed impossible now felt within my reach.

Eight months later, I crossed the finish line of my first marathon. And you know what? It was the small, realistic goals that got me there – not just the big dream.

3) Increasing productivity

When you start setting realistic goals, you’ll find that your productivity levels soar. This isn’t just a mere observation, it’s backed by science.

A study conducted by the Dominican University of California found that people who wrote down their goals, shared them with a friend, and provided weekly updates were 33% more successful in achieving their goals than those who merely formulated them.

This is because realistic goals provide a clear direction and a sense of purpose. Instead of wasting time figuring out what needs to be done, you have a clear roadmap to follow.

By knowing exactly what you want and how to get there, you can channel your energy and focus into achieving those goals.

4) Reducing stress and anxiety

Embarking on a journey without a clear path can be stressful and anxiety-inducing. You may find yourself overwhelmed with the magnitude of your dreams, causing unnecessary distress.

However, by establishing realistic goals, you’ll likely experience a significant drop in stress and anxiety.

Clear objectives offer a framework for your journey, breaking down larger aspirations into smaller, more manageable steps, which makes them feel less daunting.

Think of it like climbing a mountain. Gazing up at the peak from the base can be intimidating. Yet, if you concentrate on each individual step and small ascent, you’ll find yourself reaching the summit before you realize it.

5) Gaining a sense of achievement

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of ticking off a task from your to-do list. It’s a small win, but it gives you a sense of accomplishment.

Now, imagine this feeling amplified. That’s what setting realistic goals can do for you. Each goal you accomplish brings with it a sense of achievement, a validation of your hard work and effort.

And this feeling isn’t just gratifying; it’s also incredibly motivating. Each goal achieved serves as a reminder that you are capable of achieving what you set out to do, pushing you to continue moving forward.

6) Inspiring others around you

Setting and achieving realistic goals brings about something amazing: you become a source of inspiration for those around you.

Friends, family, and colleagues start to notice the positive changes within you. They see your newfound focus, increased productivity, and growing confidence. Inspired by your journey, they embark on their own paths of goal-setting.

You become a living testament to the power of realistic goals, creating a ripple effect that touches the lives of many.

There’s an incredible sense of fulfillment in knowing your actions not only enhance your life but also encourage others to improve theirs. By pursuing your realistic goals, you light the way for others to follow.

7) Learning to embrace failure

When I first started setting realistic goals, I was afraid of failure. I feared that not meeting my targets would mean I wasn’t good enough. But as time passed, I realized something incredibly powerful – failure is not the opposite of success; it’s a part of it.

Setting realistic goals allowed me to see that every time I didn’t meet a goal, it wasn’t a sign of my incapability. Instead, it was an opportunity to learn, grow, and come back stronger.

When I didn’t hit the word count for my book in a week, it taught me to reassess my schedule and improve my time management. When I couldn’t run the extra mile I’d aimed for, it showed me the areas where I needed to strengthen my training.

8) Finding more time for yourself

You might think that setting realistic goals would consume a lot of your time. After all, goal-setting involves planning, strategizing, and tracking progress. But here’s the catch. When you have clear, realistic goals, you actually end up finding more time for yourself.

With a well-defined goal in mind, you’re able to focus your energy and efforts in the right direction. You’re not wasting time on irrelevant tasks or getting sidetracked by distractions. You know what needs to be done and you do it efficiently.

This focused approach frees up time. Time that you can spend on self-care, on hobbies you love, or with people you care about.

Setting realistic goals isn’t solely focused on achieving more; it also grants you the precious gift of time. This gift enables you to lead a balanced and fulfilling life.

William Penn reminds us, “Time is what we want most, but what we use worst,” emphasizing that focusing our efforts can help us make the most of the time we have.

9) Cultivating discipline and consistency

Final thoughts: It’s about growth

The journey of setting realistic goals goes beyond merely achieving end objectives, it emphasizes the personal growth that unfolds along the way.

Each goal you set and accomplish serves as a stepping stone toward becoming a better version of yourself. This process of growth isn’t confined to your goals, it permeates every aspect of your life, transforming how you approach challenges, interact with others, and perceive yourself.

As George Eliot once said, “It’s never too late to be what you might have been.” Setting realistic goals serves as a powerful means to realize this potential within you.

As you move forward, remember that setting realistic goals transcends reaching a destination. Embrace the journey, celebrate the small victories, learn from failures, and grow with each step you take.